A Comprehensive Guide to New Zealand Student Visa for Indian Students

Looking to study abroad in a top-ranked, welcoming country? Studying in New Zealand is a fantastic choice! Known for its high educational standards, New Zealand’s universities proudly stand in the top 3% globally, according to QS World University Rankings. Each year, nearly 90,000 international students choose New Zealand as their destination, making it a popular choice for higher education. With affordable tuition fees, flexible work options for students, and a straightforward visa process, obtaining a New Zealand student visa for Indian students opens the door to an enriching and accessible study experience. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity!

What is a New Zealand Student Visa?

A New Zealand Student Visa grants international students the opportunity to study full-time in New Zealand for courses longer than three months, provided they have an official admission offer from a recognized institution. The visa processing time ranges from 1 to 3 months, and its validity is tied to the specific course duration. This visa not only facilitates access to quality education in New Zealand but also allows students to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during the academic term and often full-time during scheduled breaks. Each year, nearly 90,000 international students take advantage of the New Zealand Student Visa to gain world-class education and work experience, enhancing both their skills and career prospects.

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In early 2024, the New Zealand student visa success rate for Indian students saw a decline, with 40% of applications rejected. Of the 5,018 applications processed between January and April, 2,010 were denied, reflecting a notable increase in rejections compared to previous years.

 

Types of Student Visas for New Zealand

If you’re over 18 and intend to study in New Zealand for more than six months, here’s a brief overview of the student visa options available to you.

Type of Visa	Description	Duration	Eligibility	Application Fee
Fee Paying Student Visa	Allows full-time enrollment at a New Zealand university for over three months. Students must pay full tuition fees to study at an accredited institution.	Up to 4 years, based on course length	Offer of acceptance or enrollment confirmation from a New Zealand institution; proof of financial means to cover living costs.	NZD 330
Pathway Student Visa	Enables students to study up to three consecutive courses on a single visa. Requires admission from an approved pathway education provider.	Up to 5 years, depending on course length	Admission offers from a pathway provider; if more than one provider, a detailed letter explaining course details is needed.	NZD 295
Exchange Student Visa	Designed for students in approved Ministry of Education exchange programs seeking to study in New Zealand for over three months.	Duration of exchange program (1–2 semesters)	Proof of enrollment in an exchange program; must apply from abroad.	NZD 330
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa	Intended for students funded by a foreign government scholarship or loan to study full-time in New Zealand.	Varies based on program length	Evidence of a foreign government scholarship or loan; proof of financial capacity.	NZD 330

Indian students can select from these four New Zealand Student Visa options based on their program type, financial support, and course duration. 

How do you apply for a New Zealand Student Visa Online?

Applying for a New Zealand student visa for Indian students online is straightforward when the required steps are followed, and the necessary documents are gathered beforehand. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Select Your Course and University
  

  Choose the course and institution in New Zealand where you want to study. Ensure that the program and institution meet New Zealand Immigration’s approval for international students.

• Create a RealMe Account
  

  Visit the New Zealand Immigration website and create a RealMe account. This account is essential for accessing and managing your visa application online.

• Verify Email and Start a New Application
  

  After verifying your email, log in and start a new application for the student visa. Carefully read all instructions provided in each section of the application.

• Complete the Application Form
  

  Fill in your personal details, educational information, and other required fields. Ensure all information is accurate and matches the supporting documents you’ll upload.

Gather and Upload Required Documents
Prepare all the necessary documentation, which may include:

• Financial documents (proof of funds for tuition and living expenses)
• Course enrollment or acceptance letter
• Passport-sized photos (as per New Zealand specifications)
• Health and character certificates, if applicable

• Pay Visa Fees
  

  Pay the visa application fee (around NZD 330 for most visas) through the accepted credit or debit card methods provided in the portal.

• Submit the Application
  

  Review all details, ensure documents are uploaded correctly, and submit your completed application.

Following these steps carefully will help streamline your New Zealand student visa application process, increasing your chances of timely approval.

Where to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa Offline?

For those interested in applying for a New Zealand student visa offline, applications can be submitted at various New Zealand High Commissions and Consulates in India. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by their parents or guardians. Here is the contact information for the main centers for the New Zealand student visa for Indian students:

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ), New Delhi Centre
  • Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300
  • Fax: +91 11 4761 2990
  • Email: nzisnewdelhi@dol.govt.nz
• New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi
  • Address: Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
  • Telephone: +91 11 4688 3170
  • Fax: +91 11 4688 3165
  • Email: nzhc@airtelmail.in
• New Zealand Consulate General, Mumbai
  • • Address: Level 2, 3rd North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051
    • Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300
    • Fax: +91 22 6770 9003
    • Email: inzmumbai@ttsvisas.com
   

New Zealand Student Visa Cost for Indian Applicants

Understanding the costs associated with applying for a New Zealand student visa for Indian students is crucial. As of October 1, 2024, New Zealand’s student visa fees have doubled from NZ$375 to NZ$750 (approximately INR 38,191), as highlighted in the New Zealand student visa latest news, impacting international students. Below is a summary of the updated New Zealand student visa cost and average tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate studies:

Education Level	Average Tuition Fees (INR)	Visa Fees (INR)
Undergraduate	11,00,000	38,191
Postgraduate	13,00,000	38,191

These revised fees are essential to consider for students planning their study abroad budgets.

New Zealand Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

To obtain a New Zealand student visa for Indian students, specific criteria set by Immigration New Zealand must be met. Below are the essential requirements for this visa:

Essential Documents Required

Students must prepare the following documents before applying for a New Zealand Student Visa:

1. Completed Visa Application Form: Download from the official New Zealand embassy or consulate website in India.
2. Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is current and valid.
3. Recent Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent photos are required.
4. Proof of Admission Offer: A letter from an accredited institution or university in New Zealand.
5. Evidence of Tuition Fee Payment: Documentation confirming payment of tuition fees.
6. Academic Transcripts: Official records of your previous academic qualifications.
7. English Language Proficiency: Proof through recognized tests such as IELTS, FCE, OET, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
8. Health and Travel Insurance: Valid insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
9. Evidence of Satisfactory Progress: Required for returning students continuing their education in New Zealand.
10. Police Certificates: Background check documentation.
11. Statement of Purpose: A personal statement outlining your course choice and future career aspirations.
12. VAC Service Fees: Payment for visa application center services.
13. Medical Certificate: Confirmation of good health.
14. Proof of Funds: Documentation demonstrating financial capability.

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Proof of Funds and English Language Proficiency

Proof of Funds: It is crucial to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover accommodation, food, travel, and tuition fees. Acceptable documents for proof of funds include:

• Recent bank statements
• Scholarship financial aid or sponsorship documents

Minimum Fund Requirements:

Duration	Per Month (INR)	Per Year (INR)
Non-compulsory school study (less than one year)	10,05,343.40	83,795.37
Compulsory education (Years 1-13 at school)	8,54,541.89	71,228.58

English Language Proficiency: International students must fulfill the English language requirements through recognized tests. Below are the IELTS requirements for different courses:

Course Level	IELTS Requirement
Undergraduate	5.5 (overall 6.0)
Graduate	6.0 (overall 6.5)

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful New Zealand student visa application.

New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time

The New Zealand student visa processing time varies depending on factors such as the educational institution and the details of your application. On average, it takes about 30 working days to process a New Zealand student visa for Indian students, with approximately 90% of applications processed within 66 weekdays. 

Institution Type	50% Completed Within	75% Completed Within	90% Completed Within
Universities	13 days	30 days	57 days
Institutes of Technology (ITPs)*	17 days	35 days	62 days
Private Training Establishments (PTEs)**	29 days	49 days	75 days
Schools	11 days	22 days	31 days

NZ Student Visa Dependents

In most cases, the spouse and dependent children of a student are granted a visitor visa for the same duration as their partner or parent’s stay. However, there are specific rules regarding work rights:

• Spouses of Students on a Work Visa: They can work full-time in New Zealand.
• Dependents of Students on Visitor Visas: They do not have any work rights.

Eligibility Requirements for Dependents: To bring dependents to New Zealand, the student must:

• Be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner.
• Hold a New Zealand student visa while studying for:
  • A Level 7 qualification (or higher) on the New Zealand Qualification Framework in an area specified in the Long Term Skill Shortage List, or
  • A postgraduate qualification.

Additional Information

As an international student, you must complete your course within the minimum duration specified in your acceptance letter. If you do not have a job offer upon completing your studies, you may apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, which is valid for up to 12 months and allows you to work in temporary roles while searching for a job in your field.

Work Rights for Students

• • Part-Time Work:  Under New Zealand student visa working hours regulations, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) if your study program meets one of these criteria:
    • The program is at least two years in duration.
    • It leads to a New Zealand qualification that qualifies for points towards a Skilled Migrant visa application.
    • It is at a tertiary institution, with the primary focus on developing English language skills, requiring an overall IELTS band score of 5.0 or above in either the general or academic modules.
  • Full-Time Work During Vacations: If enrolled in a full-time program of study lasting at least one academic year, you may work full-time during vacations. Additionally, if your full-time program has a duration of at least eight months and comprises a minimum of two semesters (but is less than 120 credits), you can work full-time over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
  • Research Students: If you are enrolled in a Master’s by research or a doctoral degree program awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution, there are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work under the New Zealand student visa for Masters.

Key Takeaways

• New Zealand’s universities rank in the top 3% globally according to QS World University Rankings, attracting nearly 90,000 international students each year to experience high-quality education.
• The New Zealand Student Visa allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time during breaks, aiding them in covering living costs. Tuition fees range from INR 11,00,000 for undergraduate programs to INR 13,00,000 for postgraduate programs.
• With an average processing time of 30 working days, around 90% of visa applications are processed within 66 days, ensuring a smooth application experience for students.
• The visa application fee is NZD 750 (approximately INR 38,191), making the New Zealand student visa for Indian students a cost-effective option for those seeking a quality education abroad.

If you have any more questions or doubts, or if you need help preparing for the exam, feel free to drop a comment or Contact Us. We’d be very happy to help!

Also Read: Studying in New Zealand | Top universities, cost, visa, and more!

FAQs

1. How much funding is required for a New Zealand student visa?

Answer- To apply for a New Zealand student visa, you are required to demonstrate proof of funds of NZD 20,000  (approximately INR 10,05,343.4) for a full academic year or NZD 1,667 (approximately INR 83,795.37) per month.

2. How long does it take to get a student visa to New Zealand?

Answer- On average, it takes about 30 working days to process a New Zealand student visa. However, around 90% of applications are completed within 66 days. Processing times can vary based on the type of education provider and specific visa conditions.

3. How long can I stay in New Zealand on a student visa?

Answer: You can stay in New Zealand on a student visa for a maximum of four years, depending on the length of your courses within that period.